SINCE the summer has so far been a washout, gallery owner Steven Lord decided to inject a bit of sunshine into the coming weeks.

He’s invited 15 established and emerging artists to show their work in a new exhibition which takes the English seaside as its theme. The show has opened at The Harrison Lord Gallery in Brighouse and runs throughout July.

Expect to see seascapes, England’s beautiful coastline, and bustling harbours plus an artist’s view of our favourite holiday destinations such as Whitby, Staithes and Scarborough.

Steven said the gallery was pleased to welcome back popular artists such as Steve McLoughlin and Sue Nichol .

Steve works primarily in oils, developing the paintings on location, and finishing the pieces back at his studio.

The British coastline and countryside have been his inspiration for many years, taking him from the east coast of Norfolk, Derbyshire were he lives and down to Cornwall.

“I try to capture the mood of a scene, often through weather or light and its effects on the surroundings.

“I like to have a narrative running through some of my paintings, letting the viewer put themselves into the scene.”

Sue Nichol works using oils, acrylics and ink and revels in the flexibility of these media.

“I use brushes, fingers, sticks, knives, pens or anything else to hand to make marks on the canvas,” she said.

“My paintings are of places I know very well and visit over and over again, both literally and imaginatively.

“I am attracted to the ‘edges of the land’ including our fabulous and varied coastline as well as the rocky edges to be found throughout the British landscape.”

Gallery owner Steven says he is also excited to introduce some great new artists to the gallery.

Look out for Julia Crossland’s charming illustrations, Rayford’s colourful and quirky take on popular seaside locations and Rob Marrison’s dramatic wave scenes.

Around 15 established and emerging artists have been invited to exhibit their seaside themed work in the gallery, resulting in a phenomenal range of styles and techniques from traditional to contemporary.

Steven said: “With this summer being such a washout it’s a pleasure to bring a bit of the sun and holiday spirit to Brighouse with this new selection of artworks.

“After looking round the exhibition you’ll almost be able to smell the sea and be ready for an ice cream!”

For more details, go to the gallery’s website on www.harrisonlord.co.uk or call them on 01484 722462.